PINEAPPLE WATERCRESS WINNER SMOOTHIE

Pineapple Watercress Winner Smoothie topped with grain-free granola and bee pollen.

This pineapple and watercress smoothie is an absolute winner for taste and nutrition!  Don't let the pretty little watercress leaves fool you — they have a wonderful peppery kick and are mighty nutritional powerhouses.  In fact, when the CDC studied which fruits and vegetables were the most nutrient-dense, watercress was ranked number one!

Watercress has been used medicinally for centuries.  It is believed that Hippocrates chose the location for the first hospital on the Greek island of Kos circa 400 BC based on the availability of watercress for patients.

Watercress is packed with vitamins & minerals.  It also contains amazing phytonutrients that help to protect cells from DNA damage.  Studies have shown that these compounds can help fight cancer, inflammation, diabetes and hypertension.  Regular consumption of this leafy green may also have benefits for the heart, eyes, skin and bones.

If you are new to watercress, start with a small handful or mix it with baby spinach. I actually add a couple handfuls when I’m making this smoothie for myself since I love the fresh, vibrant flavour.

For 2 servings, blend together until smooth:

• 1 to 2 cups unsweetened almond or nut-free milk, adjusted to desired consistency

• 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks

• handful of fresh watercress (see note above)

• 1/4 to 1/2 ripe or frozen avocado

• 1 Tbsp chia seeds

• Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, raw honey (non-vegan), pure stevia, or sweetener of choice, adjusted to taste (optional)

• optional nutrition boosters: 1/2 to 1 tsp matcha powder and/or 1/4 to 1/2 tsp chlorella or spirulina powder

• optional protein boosters: 2 to 3 Tbsp Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla or Just Natural protein powder or 1 cup Greek yogurt